What Are the Early Signs of Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common injury among workers who perform the same manual tasks repeatedly each day. But carpal tunnel syndrome can also affect people from all walks of life.
The early signs of carpal tunnel include some combination of numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the hand. The condition tends to get worse as time passes, so it’s important to catch it in time and recover before it’s too late.
This article will teach you when to see a doctor about carpal tunnel syndrome, including the symptoms and early warning signs.
Waking up at Night
A person who wakes up at night with pain in the hand area may find that it is worse at night. This can also be a symptom of CTS. Pain and numbness in the wrist and forearm can be present during the first signs of CTS, and the sensation of their hands going to sleep can occur.
Finger movements may become weak, and some finger dexterity can be diminished. Swelling and tenderness of the wrist should also be monitored as this can be a sign of CTS waking up at night.
Fingers Feeling Swollen or Fuzzy
The early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome may include fingers feeling swollen or fuzzy. The swelling and numbness typically begin in the thumb and progress to other fingers. This is usually accompanied by tingling, burning, and weakness in the hands and wrists.
As the inflammation increases, patients may experience some degree of hand and wrist pain. Additional signs and symptoms can include a feeling of “locking” up or stiffness when trying to flex the hand or fingers.
Dropping Objects
Dropping objects is one of the early signs of carpal tunnel symptoms, a condition in which some of the finger and thumb nerves in the wrists become compressed and cause numbness, tingling, and pain.
Dropping objects can be related to other conditions like arthritis or nerve damage. If the person notices that they are suddenly dropping objects more frequently than usual, they should get a medical checkup as soon as possible.
Weak Pinch
The early signs of carpal tunnel weak pinch include a feeling of numbness and tingling in the thumb, middle, and index fingers. Sensations can be accompanied by a feeling of weakness when grasping or pinching objects.
If left untreated, the weak pinch can get worse over time and cause permanent damage to the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the hand, wrist, and forearm.
Discomfort in Wrist, Hand, or Fingers
It may feel like wrist or hand weakness when trying to grip or hold onto objects or an aching feeling that radiates along the arm or forearm. Difficulty or pain associated with holding a pen or other everyday items or making a fist can also be symptoms of carpal tunnel discomfort.
Depending on the severity of the condition, carpal tunnel discomfort may worsen over time, though it is not always consistent with flare-ups. Click for orthopedic services to confirm a carpal tunnel diagnosis and to get treatment.
Look At These Early Signs of Carpal Tunnel
The early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are diagnosed and treated, the less likely it is to cause lasting damage.
If you are experiencing persistent pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands, wrists, or arms, please see a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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